System for preventing snow or ice blockages in exhaust and intake conduits

ABSTRACT

A system is provided for preventing the accumulation of snow or ice that may prevent the proper and safe functioning of a fuel burning device. The system includes at least one moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, at least one mat configured to generate heat upon receiving an electrical current, and the fuel burning device. A control module is connected to the at least one moisture sensor, the temperature sensor, power sources for the mat and the fuel burning device. The control module is configured to switch on and provide power to the at least one mat if moisture is detected and the temperature is at or below a predetermined threshold. In the event the at least one mat is not properly receiving current flow, the control module is able to power off the fuel burning device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for melting snow or ice that could otherwise block an exhaust or intake conduit for a building's fuel burning devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In homes, buildings and other structures, fuel burning devices, such as a furnace or hot water heater for example, are installed. These fuel burning devices generally have an intake conduit, an exhaust conduit, and/or another type of drainage conduit or vent that runs through a wall or the roof of the structure to outside the structure, and is open to the environment.

These conduits of fuel burning devices can cause significant safety and health hazards during winter, as snow and ice can block the openings of these conduits. For example, high efficiency furnaces, which are becoming increasingly prevalent, generally utilize an exhaust conduit that runs through a wall of the building. Because such furnaces are frequently located in a basement, the exterior opening of the exhaust conduit tends to be located fairly low to the ground. While it is recommended that such exhaust conduits be located at least one foot above the expected snow load, many such conduits are located at lower heights than this, or the height of the conduit is less than the height of the snow surrounding the conduit due to an above-average snowfall, snow drifts or snow falling off of a roof. When such an exhaust conduit is blocked by snow or ice, the furnace is unable to vent properly and harmful gases such as carbon monoxide can circulate back to the furnace and through the building, creating a substantial safety hazard. Snow or ice blocking the air intake conduit of a fuel burning device can also create safety hazards and prevent the device from properly functioning.

The present invention aims to solve these problems in the art by providing a system that will prevent the accumulation of snow or ice that can block a conduit to or from a fuel burning device, and prevent the operation of a fuel burning device under hazardous conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is provided that comprises at least one moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, at least one mat configured to generate heat upon receiving an electrical current from a first power source, and a fuel burning device receiving power from a second power source. A control module is also provided with the system, which is connected to the at least one moisture sensor, the temperature sensor, the first power source and the second power source. The control module is configured to switch on and provide power to the first power source if the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture and the temperature sensor detects a temperature at or below a predetermined threshold. The control module is also configured to switch off the first power source if the at least one moisture sensor does not detect the presence of moisture or the temperature sensor detects a temperature above the predetermined threshold.

The control module comprises a current detector configured to detect if the at least one mat is receiving electrical current. The control module is configured to switch off the second power source and the fuel burning device when the current detector detects that the at least one mat is not receiving electrical current after the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture and the temperature sensor detects a temperature at or below the predetermined threshold. Thus, if the mat should be functioning to melt snow or ice and is not functioning as such, the control module is configured to interrupt the second power source to the fuel burning device to shut off the fuel burning device.

According to one embodiment of the system of the invention, the at least one mat is positioned underneath an exhaust or intake conduit from the fuel burning device extending out of a structure, to melt any precipitation underneath the exhaust or intake conduit. The at least one moisture sensor is positioned on the at least one mat to detect the presence of precipitation on the at least one mat, and the temperature sensor is positioned on the structure.

According to one embodiment of the system of the invention, the first power source is a 120 volt alternating current outlet, and the at least one mat comprises a waterproof power cable with a terminating male end to plug into the outlet, either directly or via an adapter. Further, the at least one mat may comprise a further waterproof power cable with a terminating female end to receive the terminating male end of a power cable of a second mat, such that a plurality of mats can be arranged in a daisy chain connected to the first power source.

In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the control module may comprise a touch screen display configured to display the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and to display if moisture is detected by each of the at least one moisture sensors. Additionally or alternatively, the control module can be configured to wirelessly transmit data relating to the at least one mat, at least one moisture sensor, temperature sensor and fuel burning device to a wireless computing device. In this embodiment, the control module is configured to receive transmissions and commands from, and be controlled by, the wireless computing device. The control module may also comprise a user interface that allows a user to control the system and set the predetermined threshold for the temperature sensor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the system may comprises more than one fuel burning device and at least one mat is provided for each exhaust and intake conduit for each fuel burning device.

In a further embodiment of the system of the invention, the at least one mat is positioned on a roof of a structure, with a spacer positioned between the at least one mat and the roof.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the system may comprise a camera positioned adjacent to the at least one mat and configured to record and transmit video of the at least one mat to the wireless computing device.

In an alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one mat comprises perforations and is positioned underneath a condensate drain for draining condensate created by the fuel burning device extending out of a structure, to melt any precipitation underneath the condensate drain. The at least one mat can be placed atop a box comprising perforations, wherein heating the mat causes the condensate to disperse through the perforations in the mat and the perforations in the box. The control module comprises a current detector configured to detect if the at least one mat is receiving electrical current, and the control module is configured to switch off the second power source and the fuel burning device, when the current detector detects that the at least one mat is not receiving electrical current after the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture and the temperature sensor detects a temperature at or below a predetermined threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of the system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the system according to a first embodiment of to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a series of mats of the system according to the present invention connected in a daisy chain.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the system according to a second embodiment of to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the system according to a third embodiment of to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in further detail below with reference made to FIGS.

The invention relates to a system for preventing the accumulation of snow or ice outside of a building, and in particular, preventing an accumulation of snow or ice that could lead to a blockage of the exhaust or intake conduit from a fuel burning device, shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 2. As used herein, the term “fuel burning device” can refer to any device that would be used within a structure that burns fuel, including but not limited to a furnace, a water heater, boiler or any other device that is used in the art. Additionally, the terms “exhaust conduit” and “intake conduit” as used herein do not refer to a conduit having any particular size, shape or structure, but can be used to refer to any such conduit that is used in connection with a fuel burning device to intake air to the fuel burning device, or exhaust or vent the fuel burning device outside of the structure housing the fuel burning device.

The system of the invention includes at least one mat 10, configured to be heated by an electrical current. In a preferred embodiment, the mat 10 is made from a plastic material and comprises a power cord 11 comprising a male terminating end 12. The terminating end 12 may be connected directly to a standard 120 volt alternating current electrical outlet 60, or to a corresponding female terminating end of an adapter that can be connected to an electrical outlet 60. The mat 10 and they system can be adapted for use with other power sources known in the art beyond a 120 volt alternating current outlet. The mat 10 uses 80 watts of energy, and is thus energy efficient. The mat 10 heats to a maximum temperature of 58° F. and can melt two inches of snow per hour. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the mat 10 is ten inches by thirty inches, but the size of the mat 10 can vary as appropriate. The mat 10 may also include one or more grommet in one or more corner of the mat 10, through which a stake can be inserted to prevent movement of the mat 10 due to forces such as wind. The heating mat 10 of the system of the invention can be a heating mat 10 that is known in the art, such as those sold by Heat Trak.

According to the invention, the mat 10 can be positioned outside the wall 70 of a structure, such as a home or an office building, underneath a fuel burning device intake conduit 51 or exhaust conduit 52. A sufficient amount of space should be maintained between the mat 10 and the opening of the conduits 51 and 52, and between the mat 10 and the wall 70 so that the mat 10 is not in contact with the conduit or the structure. Where the fuel burning device has only a single intake and exhaust conduit (e.g., a concentric termination conduit), only one mat 10 may be required. However, in other embodiments of the invention, multiple mats 10 can be used and connected in a daisy chain, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 for example. The mat 10 can comprise a second, weatherproof power cord 13 that has a female terminating end connector 14. The female terminating end connector 14 of one mat 10 can be connected to the male terminating end connector of a second mat 10 that is receiving power from an electrical outlet 60. Using a standard 120 volt electrical outlet 60, the total draw of the daisy chain of mats 10 can be 10.5 amps. Accordingly, up to fifteen mats can be daisy chained together in the system. A plurality of mats 10 may be desired in the system where there are multiple intake conduits 51 and exhaust conduits 52 extending from one or more fuel burning device in a building, or where the intake conduit 51 and exhaust conduit 52 extending from the wall 70 of the structure are spaced too far apart for a single mat 10 to sufficiently melt precipitation accumulating under both conduits. Generally, the intake conduit 51 and exhaust conduit 52 of a fuel burning device are spaced at least one to two feet apart.

A moisture sensor 20 is placed on the mat 10. The moisture sensor 20 is configured to detect the presence of precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet or ice, on the mat 10. In alternative embodiments, more than one moisture sensor 20 can be placed on the mat 10. Preferably, where the system utilizes more than one mat 10, each of the mats 10 comprises a moisture sensor 20, and the moisture sensors 20 can be connected in series in a daisy chain. As such, if one moisture sensor 20 in the daisy chain of moisture sensors 20 detects the presence of moisture, each mat 10 in the daisy chain of mats 10 will be heated. For example, if snow is drifting onto one of the mats 10 but not others in the daisy chain, the moisture sensor 20 of that particular mat 10 senses the moisture, and all of the mats 10 in the daisy chain can be heated to melt any snow that may drift onto any of the mats 10 as will be explained herein. The moisture sensors 20 of the system of the invention can be any moisture sensor 20 that would be known in the art for the purpose indicated herein.

A temperature sensor 30 is placed outside of the structure in the vicinity of the mat 10. For example, the temperature sensor 30 can be placed within a box 32 that is secured to the wall 70 of the structure, or may be secured to the wall 70 without the box 32. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 30 is positioned at least six feet away from any heat source and where it cannot receive sunlight. The temperature sensor 30 is configured to measure the temperature of the ambient air. The temperature sensor 30 of the system of the invention can be any temperature sensor 30 that would be known in the art for the purpose indicated herein.

The moisture sensors 20 and the temperature sensor 30 are connected to a control module 40, which controls the operation of the system. The control module 40 is preferably located inside the structure, i.e., on the opposite side of the wall 70 than the mat 10, moisture sensors 20 and temperature sensor 30. The moisture sensors 20 are connected to the control module 40 by wires 21, or by a single wire 21 if daisy chained, and the temperature sensor 30 is connected to the control module 40 by a wire 31. The control module 40 comprises a power cable 43 that connects the control module 40 to a power source 44, such as a standard, 120 volt alternating current electrical outlet, which powers the control module 40. The control module 40 is also linked to the electrical outlet 60 from which the mat 10 receives electricity. The control module 40 is configured to supply electrical power from the power source 44 to the electrical outlet 60 via a wire 41, which allows electric current to flow to the mat 10. The control module 40 is also configured to be able to switch on and off the electrical outlet 60, and as a result, is configured to switch on and off the mat 10, as will be described below. In a preferred embodiment, the power source 44 and electrical outlet 60 are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) equipped, or the power cables described herein may be GFCI equipped.

The control module 40 is configured to activate a switch when the temperature sensor 30 detects that the outside temperature has reached or is below a certain threshold, for example, a pre-set temperature between 32° F. and 38° F., and activate a switch when the moisture sensor 20 detects moisture. When the control module 40 determines that the temperature has fallen below the temperature threshold and that the moisture sensor 20 detects the presence of moisture on the mat 10, a circuit in the control module 40 is closed by the switches and power is provided to the electrical outlet 60. Power is then supplied to the mat 10, which is able to melt the precipitation falling onto the mat 10.

If the temperature rises above the temperature threshold, then the control module 40 turns off the electrical outlet 60, and the mat 10 loses its power supply and is turned off. Similarly, if the moisture sensor 20 no longer detects the presence of moisture on the mat 10, the control module 40 turns off the electrical outlet 60, and the mat 10 loses its power supply and is turned off. In this manner, the mat 10 is only turned on and providing a heat source when the temperature and precipitation are both conducive to the formation of snow or ice that can potentially block the intake conduit 51 or exhaust conduit 52.

As a safety measure of the system of the invention, the control module 40 is additionally connected to a power supply 80 of the fuel burning device. The power supply 80 for the fuel burning device can be a 120 volt alternating current electrical outlet, an electrical generator or any other power supply 80 that is used in the art to provide power to a fuel burning device. The control module 40 comprises a current sensor that detects if a sufficient level of electrical current is flowing through the mat 10. When the temperature has fallen below the temperature threshold and the moisture sensor 20 detects the presence of moisture on the mat 10, electrical current should be supplied to the mat 10 as explained above. When this occurs, if the current sensor detects an insufficient level of electrical current, or no electrical current, is flowing through the mat 10, the control module 40 is configured to interrupt the power supply 80 to the fuel burning device, to prevent the fuel burning device from operating. If the mat 10 is not receiving electrical current when the control module 40 determines it should receive electrical current, then the mat 10 is not heating and the malfunction could allow snow to accumulate on the mat 10 and block the intake conduit 51 or exhaust conduit 52 of the fuel burning device. A system failure would then notify the end user of the failure. The control module 40 therefore turns off the fuel burning device to eliminate the safety hazards that could result from the fuel burning device operating with a blocked intake conduit 51 or exhaust conduit 52. If the control module 40 determines that the mat 10 is not functioning properly, it will not interrupt the power supply 80 to the fuel burning device if either no moisture is detected by the moisture sensor 20 or the temperature is above the temperature threshold. In this instance, any malfunction in the mat 10 is not likely to result in snow or ice blocking a conduit 51 or 52, and there is not a heightened safety risk if the fuel burning device continues to operate.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the system can be used in conjunction with an intake conduit 51 or exhaust conduit 52 of a fuel burning device that projects from the roof 75 of a structure, rather than through a wall 70 of the structure. An example of this embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 4. The system according to this second embodiment of the invention includes one or more mats 10, moisture sensors 20, a temperature sensor 30 and the control module 40 as described in earlier embodiments of the invention. However, the mat 10 is positioned on the roof 75 of the structure underneath the intake conduit 51 (or exhaust conduit 52), which may have a looped candy cane structure or project vertically in an upright manner. In this embodiment of the invention, the mat 10 should preferably not be placed directly on the roof 75 of the structure. A spacer 15, such as a wooden or Styrofoam board having the same or greater dimensions as the mat 10 is placed underneath the mat 10, separating the mat 10 from the roof 75. According to this embodiment of the invention, the control module 40 is configured to turn on or off the power supply 60 for the mat 10, and interrupt the power supply 80 for the fuel burning device in the same manner described in earlier embodiments of the invention.

The control module 40 of the invention can be configured to allow a user of the system to control and monitor each aspect of the system. The control module 40 may comprise a screen and a user interface, such as a keypad or a touch screen, which allows the user to monitor the components of the system and factors, such as the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 30, any precipitation sensed by the moisture sensor 20, and whether the fuel burning device and/or mat(s) 10 are functioning properly. Using the user interface, the user can also set the conditions for the functioning of the system, including for example, setting the temperature threshold point when the control module 40 is to switch on the mat 10 in the presence of precipitation.

In further embodiments of the invention, the control module 40 is configured for wireless communication with a second wireless computing device, such as a phone, tablet or computer. This would allow a user to monitor and control the system remotely, even when outside of their home. This feature of the invention can be implemented using technology known in the art of wireless home heating control, for example. It is also envisioned that a camera is provided with the system, which can be placed near the mat 10 outdoors to record video of the mat 10 and the conditions surrounding the mat 10. The camera can transmit the video to the second wireless computing device in the form of a live stream so that the user can remotely view if the mat 10 and system are properly functioning. If the user determines from the video transmitted from the camera that snow or ice are accumulating in a manner that could block the intake conduit 51 or exhaust conduit 52, either because the precipitation is accumulating faster than it can be melted by the mat 10 or because of a malfunction in the system, the user can power off the fuel burning device remotely using the wireless computing device by sending a command to the control module 40 to interrupt the power supply 80, as previously described. Thus, even if the user is not in or near their home, they are able to monitor the system remotely and take the necessary safety measures to ensure the proper functioning of the fuel burning device.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the system is designed to prevent the accumulation of snow or ice beneath or inside of a drainage pipe 90 from the fuel burning device for neutralized condensate that is created by the fuel burning device. An example of this embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5.

Liquid condensate created by the fuel burning device can be neutralized and drained outdoors, through a drainage pipe 90 passing through the wall 70 of the structure housing the fuel burning device. The drainage pipe 90 can be a PVC pipe having a ¾ inch diameter, equipped with a funnel at its base. However, the present invention is not limited to use with any particular size, shape or material of drainage pipe 90.

A perforated box 100, such as a crate, is placed on the ground beneath the drainage pipe 90. A perforated heating mat 110 is placed on top of the perforated box 100. The perforated mat 110 is similar in function and operation to the mat 10, and is similarly used in combination with a moisture sensor 20, a temperature sensor 30 and control module 40, as previously described. In a preferred embodiment, the mat 110 can be twelve inches by twelve inches, but the mat 110 is not limited to a particular size. It is further possible that more than one mat 110 can be utilized in combination in a daisy chain, as described previously.

When the control module 40 determines that the temperature has fallen below the temperature threshold and that the moisture sensor 20 detects the presence of moisture on the mat 110, either from condensate or precipitation, a circuit in the control module 40 is closed and power is provided to the electrical outlet 60. Power is then supplied to the mat 110, which is able to disperse any condensate or melted precipitation falling onto the mat 110 through the perforations in the mat 110 and through the perforations in the box 100 to the ground. The heated mat 110 further prevents the condensate from freezing on the mat 110. As a result, snow and ice cannot block the drainage pipe 90 from draining the condensate and the drainage pipe 90 can be heated by latent heat from the mat. The condensate cannot therefore be prevented from draining and freeze within drainage pipe 90.

If the temperature rises above the temperature threshold, then the control module 40 turns off the electrical outlet 60, and the mat 110 loses its power supply and is turned off. Similarly, if the moisture sensor 20 no longer detects the presence of moisture on the mat 110, the control module 40 turns off the electrical outlet 60, and the mat 110 loses its power supply and is turned off.

The control module 40 is additionally connected to a power supply 80 of the fuel burning device and comprises a current sensor that detects if a sufficient level of electrical current is flowing through the mat 110, as described previously. When the temperature has fallen below the temperature threshold and the moisture sensor 20 detects the presence of moisture on the mat 110, and if the current sensor detects an insufficient level of electrical current, or no electrical current, is flowing through the mat 110, the control module 40 is configured to interrupt and turn off the power supply 80 to the fuel burning device. If the mat 10 is not receiving electrical current when the control module 40 determines it should receive electrical current, then the mat 10 is not heating and the malfunction could fail to prevent a blockage of the drainage pipe 90 of the fuel burning device. The control module 40 therefore turns off the fuel burning device to prevent the safety hazards that could result from the fuel burning device operating with a blocked condensate drainage pipe 90.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. 

What is claimed:
 1. A system comprising: at least one moisture sensor; a temperature sensor; at least one mat configured to generate heat upon receiving an electrical current from a first power source; a fuel burning device receiving power from a second power source; and a control module connected to the at least one moisture sensor, the temperature sensor, the first power source and the second power source; wherein the control module is configured to switch on and provide power to the first power source if the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture and the temperature sensor detects a temperature at or below a predetermined threshold, and to switch off the first power source if the at least one moisture sensor does not detect the presence of moisture or the temperature sensor detects a temperature above the predetermined threshold.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control module comprises a current detector configured to detect if the at least one mat is receiving electrical current.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to switch off the second power source and the fuel burning device, when the current detector detects that the at least one mat is not receiving electrical current after the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture and the temperature sensor detects a temperature at or below the predetermined threshold.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mat is positioned underneath an exhaust or intake conduit from the fuel burning device extending out of a structure, to melt any precipitation underneath the exhaust or intake conduit.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one moisture sensor is positioned on the at least one mat and the temperature sensor is positioned on the structure.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of precipitation on the at least one mat.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first power source is a 120 volt alternating current outlet, and the at least one mat comprises a waterproof power cable with a terminating male end to plug into the outlet, either directly or via an adapter.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one mat comprises a further waterproof power cable with a terminating female end to receive the terminating male end of a power cable of a second mat.
 9. The system according to claim 8, comprising a plurality of mats arranged in a daisy chain.
 10. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control module comprises a touch screen display configured to display the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and to display if moisture is detected by the at least one moisture sensor.
 11. The system according to claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to wirelessly transmit data relating to the at least one mat, at least one moisture sensor, temperature sensor and fuel burning device to a wireless computing device.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the control module is configured to receive transmissions from and be controlled by the wireless computing device.
 13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the control module comprises a user interface that allows a user to control the system and set the predetermined threshold for the temperature sensor.
 14. The system according to claim 3, wherein the system comprises more than one fuel burning device, and the at least one mat is provided for each exhaust and intake conduit for each fuel burning device.
 15. The system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one mat is positioned on a roof of a structure, with a spacer positioned between the at least one mat and the roof.
 16. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a camera positioned adjacent to the at least one mat and configured to record and transmit video of the at least one mat to the wireless computing device.
 17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mat comprises perforations.
 18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one mat is positioned underneath a condensate drain for draining condensate created by the fuel burning device extending out of a structure, to melt any precipitation underneath the condensate drain.
 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the at least one mat is positioned atop a box comprising perforations and heating the mat causes the condensate to disperse through the perforations in the mat and the perforations in the box.
 20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the control module comprises a current detector configured to detect if the at least one mat is receiving electrical current, and wherein the control module is configured to switch off the second power source and the fuel burning device, when the current detector detects that the at least one mat is not receiving electrical current after the at least one moisture sensor detects the presence of moisture and the temperature sensor detects a temperature at or below the predetermined threshold. 